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Resources -
GLBT Week 2006
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 When I Look in the Mirror
Who am I when I look into the mirror?
I had no words to describe myself. In fact, as a young man, I didn’t know I needed any. To myself, I was simply a person—more comfortable in the kitchen than on the ball field. I was a person more attracted to my male classmates than to the female ones. I was a person who went to church and wanted to follow Jesus.
To some I was queer-bait and a fag. To others I was deviant and disordered. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what those words meant. What I did understand was the sound of fear in their tone and the rhythm of hate in their voice. At those moments, I realized I needed words ---my own words to describe myself.
Now I know, that the words my tormentors used to label me---said more about them than about me. Their words were a reflection of their fears—and not a reflection of who I am.
“You’re queer---you are not one of us” ---they declared. It’s true. I am queer, not only because I am man who loves another man, but also because I follow a Christ, who had the audacity to embody the radically inclusive love of God. When I look into the mirror that is the reflection I hope to see.
In a world where we so quickly use fear to incite one person against another, I can only hope to be a little more queer.
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